Strategic Plan

Building a Center of History and Learning

Updated January 11, 2011

Phase I ~ September 2009 – January 2011

In January 2011 HSP had completed 16 months of its four year Strategic Plan (approved September 2009). Despite the first year being intended as time to “plan the plan,” approximately 51% of the 114 tactics associated with the 23 objectives were completed. While the 2010 Annual Report documents many of these achievements, it is notable to mention that HSP launched the Digital Center for Americana (DCA), processed 55 civil-war related collections, and digitized around 9,000 items (almost doubling the original goal) which through a newly configured digital asset management system (DAMS) will be fully searchable online in early 2011. Over this period HSP had the most successful adopt-a-collection program to-date, conserved over 1,000 items, and developed the Discover tool that aggregates HSP’s multiple old collections databases into one easy-to-use online search.

In terms of programs and services, HSP hired a full-time Senior Director of Information Technology, and a Senior Director of Programs and Services. The PhilaPlace website was launched and more resources were provided for genealogists. The distribution of the Philadelphia Magazine of History and Biography was contracted to JSTOR online, resulting in an average of 3,000 article-downloads a week during the academic year, while the Fall 2010 Legacies Magazine was delivered to 900 public schools across Pennsylvania. HSP completed a needs-assessment of around 320 small history and heritage organizations in the five-county area, and attracted over 6,000 visitors to programs onsite, over 400,000 online, and increased unique visits to the website by around 15%. In addition HSP now numbers around 10,000 e-subscribers from all around the world.

At 1300 Locust Street, HSP replaced its two largest air handling units, began repairing a portion of the roof, and completed a facility Master Plan Report by the architectural firm Ewing Cole.

On the balance sheet, $2 million was added to the board restricted fund for the care and conservation of the collection, and HSP was granted a $2.5 million capital grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Membership stabilized after simplifying the categories and launching a new young friends program. The most financially successful Founder’s Award dinner to-date was held in 2010, and Mayor Michael Nutter unveiled an historic marker out the front of the building. Despite a fall in investment income and declining sources of grant support due to the economy, HSP ended the fy2010 fiscal year with no debt.

Phase II ~ 2011 – 2014

While the achievements mentioned above are marvelous, the fact that more than half of the goals of a four-year strategic plan have been reached in the first year shows that HSP needs to develop more robust objectives. HSP’s Board has decided to become more ambitious, more deliberate, and specifically ensure that HSP’s infrastructure – physical and intellectual – is properly configured over the next three years. A priority has been placed on solving budgetary issues and making HSP’s programs and collections relevant and available to our four target audiences.

Listed below are ongoing, expanded, or new objectives for 2011-14. Below are what HSP considers to be the three most strategically important issues to be addressed:

Capital needs. Specifically, (a) raising the funds and finishing the renovation of 1300 Locust for the near term, with an emphasis on increased collections storage, care, and access; and (b) confronting HSP’s need for expansion in the longer term

Create an identity for HSP’s Programs and Services. Specifically, by (a) increasing HSP’s visibility and accessibility on the web by posting digitized documents online, (b) actively delivering content through traditional and social media, (b) reinforcing ethnic and immigrant programming under the Balch name, (c) positioning HSP as the leading center for genealogy in the mid-Atlantic region, and (d) continuing to support other history and heritage organizations.

MISSION

We inspire individuals and organizations to create a better future through historical understanding.

VISION

We envision a world where everyone understands the past, engages in the present, and works together to create a better tomorrow.

VALUES

Collaborative- in working with many individuals and organizations to realize HSP’s vision

Inclusive- in embracing multiple cultures and viewpoints

Accessible- in making HSP’s collection easily available to individuals and organizations

GOALS

HSP has identified six strategic goals over the next four years:

Ensure that 100% of HSP’s collections are documented, protected, and made available for study.

Expand our four audience groups (educators, family and community historians, researchers, and other organizations) in both reach and range by ensuring that the collections are easily accessible through on-site services, technology, publications, membership, and community programs.

Increase our support to the history and heritage organizations of Pennsylvania.

Develop, fund, and implement a capital improvement plan that takes into account HSP’s needs up to the next 25 years. (amended goal 2011)

Stabilize HSP’s financial position. (amended goal 2011)

Develop our staff and board to realize HSP’s potential to become a leader in the history and heritage community.